Desert, Dune and Rhino tracking Safari

This luxury tented and accommodated safari is geared to those wishing to enjoy the adventure and excitement that is Namibia in style. The safari takes you through hauntingly beautiful deserts, into the wildlife kingdom of Etosha as well as track the rare and endangered black rhino in the harsh semi-desert environment of Damaraland.

Price: (Valid until 31 Oct 2010)
R47,700 pps
13 Days Safari

Highlights * Rhino Tracking * Etosha National Park (great wildlife viewing) * San Tribe * Sand dunes * Desert

Departs: 15 March, 12 April, 17 May, 05 July, 09 August, 13 September,
11 October, 08 November, 06 December

Includes
* 3 Meals a day (unless differently specified)
* Vehicle
* Trailer
* Camping fees
* Professional guide
* Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek

Desert, Dune and Rhino tracking Itinerary

Meal codes [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]

Day 1 GUESTHOUSE, WINDHOEK [Guesthouse ]
Upon arrival at Windhoek International airport you will be collected and transferred to a Guesthouse in Windhoek. We will ensure that it is based within easy walking distance of the centre of the city. Depending on the time of arrival you may have the chance to wander the shops or city sights. Dinner is at own expense.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Guesthouse - twin rooms with en-suite facilities

Day 2 LODGE [Lodge BLD]
Depart from Windhoek around 8.30am and drive through to the Kalahari Desert. Tonight we overnight at a Lodge, home to family of San people. This fascinating culture is one that should not be missed while in Namibia, and this afternoon we will have the opportunity to visit a traditional San village, to see how they live, and watch their traditional dancing. The privacy and seclusion that the bush offers is surreal, and we can enjoy the silence of the Kalahari whilst sitting on our deck watching the animals come to the waterhole during the evening.
Includes:N/A
Overnight: Twin share permanent tents with en-suite facilities situated away from the main lodge

Day 3 GAME RANCH [Chalets BLD]
This morning we have the chance to walk with the Bushman. During the walk, our San tracker will show us the traditional hunting and trapping techniques used by one most fascinating groups of people in the world. After our walk, we begin our drive, enjoying a picnic lunch en-route before arriving at Bagatelle. On arrival we can check into our chalets which are scattered throughout the red dunes of the desert giving each chalet, privacy and stunning views of the surrounding area. This afternoon we join the cheetah feeding where you get the chance to see these amazing big cats and learn about the conservation efforts to save them from extinction
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets

Day 4 SOSSUSVLEI LODGE [Permanent Tents BLD]
A leisurely breakfast this morning, or an optional activity, before our departure. Today we head west, through the Naukluft Mountains to the Namib Desert. En-route we will have the opportunity to stop for photos as well as enjoying a roadside lunch before our descent into the desert floor. Arriving at Sossusvlei Lodge mid afternoon, we have the option to visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon, or relax at the lodge, enjoy a sundowner drink, and watch the sunset.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 5 SOSSUSVLEI LODGE [Permanent Tents BLD]
We depart just prior to sunrise and drive down an ancient riverbed surrounded by towering sand dunes. Our first stop is Sossusvlei where the dunes are at their most spectacular just after sunrise and witness the changing colours of these famous sand dunes as long shadows are cast and gradually lessen as the sun rises higher in the sky and the deep intense colours turn to pastel shades. We enjoy brunch under the shade of the acacia trees before exploring on foot Dead Vlei, a dramatic vlei with ancient, skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around the shimmering pan. We return to the lodge to relax during the hottest part of the day and later this afternoon we can explore the nearby Sesriem Canyon or take a walk to the nearby Elim’s Dune for sunset and drinks.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 6 SWAKOPMUND [Guesthouse BL]
Departing camp after breakfast we drive through the heart of the Namib with panoramic views across the dry, unforgiving desert. We stop at the port town of Walvis Bay on the edge of the lagoon, a RAMSAR wetland site where we may see the many species of aquatic birds that make their home here such as the greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, avocets and the endemic damara tern. We also see the salt farms and learn more about this fascinating industry that is one of the most important exports of the country. We arrive mid afternoon in the quaint town of Swakopmund and relax for the afternoon. Dinner at own expense
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Twin share rooms with en suite facilities

Day 7 SWAKOPMUND [Guesthouse B]
Full day at leisure for optional activities which your guide will be able to assist you with – maybe take a spectacular scenic flight over the desert, a dolphin cruise and enjoy a champagne breakfast on board, or try tandem skydiving, sand boarding or quad biking to name but a few of your choices. You may just wish to wander around the streets enjoying the charm and colonial elegance of many of the buildings, visit the museum or aquarium or wander along the beach listening to the roar of the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner and lunch at own expense.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms.
Optional Activities: Scenic Flights, dolphin cruises, tandem skydiving, sand boarding or quad biking to name but a few.

Day 8 DAMARALAND [Lodge BLD]
Travelling north along the coast we make a brief stop at the lichen fields, an important ecological site before continuing our way to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, here thousands of Cape Fur seals live and breed on the beach. We journey further north along the coast and enter the Skeleton Coast National Park, visiting a small shipwreck. Heading inland we look at some of the fascinating plant life including the welwitschia mirabilis that can live for over a thousand years, the landscape dramatically changes as the imposing, ancient mountain ranges come into view. We arrive at the lodge late afternoon. The lodge offers wonderful views across the mountains.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Twin chalet with en suite bathroom.

Day 9 DAMARALAND [Chalets BLD]
A wonderful adventure awaits us today and we enjoy rhino tracking with local trackers and guides to search for the bull rhinos that are living in this conservancy region. Relocated from the Torra Conservancy by Ministry of Environment and Tourism in mid 2006, they are now settling into their surroundings. Heading out into this concession land using telemetry equipment and initially tracking from a vehicle and then on foot. Please note you should be of reasonable fitness to participate in this activity. Alternatively, there are other excursions you can join such a visit to a local himba community to meet these proud nomadic people or join a game drive. Note: no children under 12 able to join the rhino tracking and min 2/person per activity. Upon returning from the day out, we can relax with a sundowner before dinner.
Includes: Rhino tracking or visiting the local Himba community.
Overnight: Twin chalet with en-suite bathroom.

Day 10 Camp outside Etosha [Permanent Tents BLD]
A leisurely breakfast this morning before we depart Grootberg. Our drive today brings us to the Ongava Game Reserve located just outside Etosha National Park. Today we arrive just after around lunch time. We will head straight into Etosha National Park where we will spend the afternoon game driving before leaving the park and heading to Camp.
Includes: Entrance fees into the Game Reserve
Overnight: Permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms

Day 11 Camp outside Etosha [Permanent Tents BLD]
This morning we are up early for a full day game driving in Etosha National park. Enjoying breakfast inside the park at one of the waterholes where we may see some of the big 4 or the little 5. Continuing on, we will make our way around the west side of the pan, and return to Halali for lunch and a rest out of the heat of the day. We will then continue our game drive making our way back to Camp.
Includes: Game drives
Overnight: Twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 12 LODGE [Chalets BLD]
This morning we leave the region of Etosha behind us and drive to Tsumeb then south onto the Waterberg. This stunning area is Namibia’s own ‘table mountain’ at around 50kms long and up to 16kms wide. Situated below the enormous red sandstone rocks of the Waterberg Plateau, this small private lodge provides us with the utmost tranquility and comfort. Overnight in twin share chalets with en-suite bathrooms set in a natural oasis of stands of bamboo and water features.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Overnight in twin share chalets with en-suite bathrooms

Day 13 Windhoek
This morning we can enjoy a self-guided walking trail looking for the many species of birds before we are transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight. We will visit the craft markets at Okahandja en route to the airport where you can bargain for some local crafts, or last minute gifts (Brunch). Recommended flight departure time NOT BEFORE 16h00 on last day of safari from Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Includes: N/A

Please note:
The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo stops!

PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This tour start in Windhoek, please make sure that you are there well ahead of time. This tour finishes in Windhoek.